By :- Prakarsh Kastwar
Thiruvananthapuram/Hisar: A fresh political storm has erupted in Kerala after an RTI (Right to Information) query revealed that Jyoti Malhotra, a YouTuber from Hisar arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan, had visited the state under a program sponsored by the Kerala Tourism Department.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that Malhotra’s trip to Kannur in Kerala was funded by the tourism department, which is reportedly overseen by the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas. BJP’s Kerala unit president, K. Surendran, raised serious questions about why a person now accused of espionage was hosted by the state government.
BJP Allegations:
K. Surendran claimed that documents obtained through an RTI have confirmed that Jyoti Malhotra’s Kerala trip was fully sponsored by the Kerala Tourism Department. He questioned the rationale behind inviting an individual who is now being probed for spying for Pakistan.
“Who did Jyoti Malhotra meet during her trip? What was her real agenda? Why did Kerala Tourism roll out a red carpet for someone who is now under investigation for espionage? Is the security of Kerala now a family affair of the Chief Minister?” Surendran asked in a press statement.
He further alleged that Kerala, under the current Left government, is becoming a “safe haven” for those who pose internal and external threats to the nation.
State Government Responds:
Responding to the allegations, Kerala’s Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas strongly rejected the claims, stating that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government does not knowingly support or invite individuals involved in anti-national activities.
“We have nothing to hide. The government has not knowingly hosted anyone involved in illegal activities. We will not be cowed down by false propaganda. The people of Kerala are with us, and these baseless allegations hold no ground,” said Minister Riyas.
He added that the campaign against Kerala Tourism is politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the image of the state and its governance.
Case Background:
Jyoti Malhotra, a resident of New Aggarwal Colony in Hisar, Haryana, was arrested on May 17 by the Civil Lines Police under charges of espionage for Pakistan. Initial investigation led to her being placed in five days of police custody, later extended by another four days, totaling nine days in police remand.
On May 26, she was produced before Judicial Magistrate Sunil Kumar, who ordered a 14-day judicial custody. Following this, on June 9, her remand was extended until June 23.
Authorities are probing her communications, travel details, and alleged connections to foreign entities. Her social media activity, including travel vlogs and videos, is also under scrutiny.
Political Fallout:
The controversy has triggered a heated political debate in Kerala. BJP leaders are demanding an inquiry into how the tourism invitation was extended and whether due diligence was done. The CPI(M)-led government, on the other hand, is defending the tourism initiative, stating that such promotional programs often involve inviting influencers and content creators, without knowledge of their future legal entanglements.